Plan your Torch Relay day

Planning ahead for the Torch Relay

The waiting is almost over! This week the Olympic Flame arrives in Nottinghamshire so there are just a few days to finalise your plans for the historic occasion.

That is the key message from the organisations who have been working together across the county to plan for the arrival of the Torch Relay on Thursday28 June and the departure of the flame from Nottingham on Friday 29 June 2012.

Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire Police, the District and Borough Councils in Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Rushcliffe and Newark and Sherwood are issuing a final reminder to people to plan their day, plan their route and allow plenty of time to enjoy the event.

Together with Ambulance and Fire services, local health services, the Highways Agency, the organizations are working hard to provide a safe passage for the torch, minimize traffic disruption and contribute to this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Road closures

There will be temporary road closures on both Thursday across Nottinghamshire and on Friday morning in Nottingham along the route of the Torch Relay.

Steve Bradley, Group Manager for Cultural and Enrichment Services at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “This is a unique opportunity to view the Olympic Torch in the County and the City. Months of planning and preparation come down to these last few days. The key is for people to plan ahead and allow extra time to travel to your viewing spot.

“The pictures we have seen from other parts of the UK have shown communities really embracing the torch relay and it’s our time to shine. We have been working hard as a partnership to minimise disruption to businesses and residents but it is inevitable that there will be some difficulties traveling on the roads.

“Feedback from other host counties is that once the roads re-open then traffic quickly returns to normal and we hope people can be patient and more importantly join in the welcome.”

Due to the Torch Relay ending in the city as part of the evening celebration, some city centre roads will start to close from 4pm onwards on Thursday 28 June.

Preparations

As part of the preparations:

More than 8,000 letters have been sent to local people and businesses affected by the torch relay about what to expect

More than 1,000 road signs have been put up at least two weeks before the event to give warning to motorists

A scheme to keep buses running across Trent Bridge will be introduced from 4pm to 5.30pm and after 6.15pm

Agencies have been working together to keep the media informed and provide extra information on web and social media channels about road closures, the Torch Relay route and handy questions about the day.

Events and entertainment along the route

The County Council will host a later event at 5pm at the National Water Sports Centre in Holme Pierrepont where the torchbearer will travel on a boat across the Regatta Lake as part of a flotilla, before returning across the lake to join the rest of the convoy. Anyone wishing to see the Olympic flame at the National Water Sports Centre should aim to arrive at the site no later than 4.15pm.

Nottinghamshire County Council is also preparing to welcome visitors to both Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre and Edwinstowe village in the morning of June 28. The centre is already at capacity for bookings from local schools keen to visit on the day but there is room in the village.

Working with partner agencies including Edwinstowe Parish Council, plans include entertainment including circus skills near the visitor centre, more than 1,500 children waving flags in the village and two local schools taking part in a cricket match as the Torch passes.

Coun John Cottee, Committee Chairman for Culture at Nottinghamshire County Council said: "It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our local communities across Nottinghamshire to see the Olympic Flame and witness the spectacle of the Olympic Torch Relay.

"With news that the route will include Sherwood Forest and the National Water Sports Centre as part of the Olympic Torch’s journey across Nottinghamshire, we hope this announcement will encourage people to get involved in celebrating this historic event. We are also looking forward to welcoming inspirational torchbearers to the community.” In Nottingham, city residents, businesses and commuters are being advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to make the most of the celebrations. Entering the City, the Torch will cross over Trent Bridge at approximately 5.50pm, passing Victoria Embankment, one of the entertainment areas and a key viewing platform for local residents.

The Torch will then pass Station Street / London Road, travel onto the ice at the National Ice Centre, pass by the new Sneinton Square where more entertainment will be provided and travel into the Old Market Square to join the two hour free evening celebration event which commences at 5.00pm. After the official event celebration there will be a Follow the Light Procession and Big Night Out with various entertainment and special food and drink offers across the city.

The next morning it will leave from Nottingham Castle, pass the Robin Hood Statue and head out of the city past the University of Nottingham's Jubilee campus, the Forest Recreation Ground and onto Ellis Guilford School, where it will then change to convoy mode and leave the city to the north.

Advice to spectators

Spectators are encouraged to line the streets and welcome as the Torch it passes through the county.

Key advice includes:

Familiarise yourself with the Torch Relay route and get a clear understanding of road closures

Allow extra time on your journey because of special traffic management measures and large crowds

If travelling for other reasons on the day, to commute for example, explore alternative transport options such as walking and cycling.

For advice on the Torch Relay route and road closure information visit the following sites:

Nottingham

Nottingham City Council’s website will have all the details about the Torch Relay as it travels through Nottingham including maps of when and where the Torch will be and plans for the official evening celebration event. Visit website:www.mynottingham.gov.uk/torchrelay

Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire County Council’s website is the place to look for details on where the London 2012 Olympic Torch will be on display in Nottinghamshire during the Torch Relay. It has maps for each community it will visits and lists frequently asked questions and answers about the Torch Relay and details of road closures. Visit website:www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/sportforall

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